The track has been laid and Revelstoke Mountain Resort is excited to be a month and a half away from cutting the ribbon on its newest summer attraction: The Pipe Mountain Coaster.

Opening May 21, 2016, The Pipe Mountain Coaster at Revelstoke Mountain Resort will be North America’s very first Brandauer Mountain Coaster.

Thrill seekers are in for a treat as the unique single-track coaster will travel at speeds of up to 42km/hr as it whisks guests 1.4km from Revelation Lodge down to the Village Plaza.

For those looking to soak up more of the spectacular summer scenery, the ability to control their own speed adds to the excitement as they travel through ski runs, forest, and a tunnel at their own pace.

The Pipe Mountain Coaster will be the newest addition to Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s exciting line-up of summer activities that include sightseeing and breakfast via the Revelation Gondola as well as Heli Adven­tures with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, offering a range of exhilarating activities that include sightseeing, hiking, alpine picnics, and biking.

This year, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will be held across Canada as a time honoured tradition since 1824. Toronto and Montreal hold the largest and longest-running parades and festivals in Canada; as we drink green beer and wear green clothes, have we ever thought about the man behind the namesake holiday and where and how these traditions came to be?

Contrary to popular belief, Saint Patrick was actually an Irish missionary born in Wales, Great Britain. Although he spent much of his early life in Britain, during the Roman Empire no less, he was kidnapped at age 16 by Irish pirates and sold into a 6-year slavery stint in Ireland. After escaping and a short time back at home in Wales, he returned to Ireland as a bishop to expand his teachings about bringing together traditions of the old pagan and new Christian religions. Even though Patrick lived during the 4th and 5th centuries, he didn’t become known as a Saint until about the 7th century, which marked the beginning of his large and celebrated following on the anniversary of his death on March 17th.

Canada’s Irish population predominately lives in the eastern part of Canada as it was difficult for the poor immigrants to travel very far past the coast. The immigrants from Ireland were actually the founders of Irish celebrations in North America, and, thus, were born the origins of the celebrations as we know them today.

Eco-friendly vegetable dye is poured into the Chicago River to turn it emerald green for St. Patrick’s Day.

A few fun facts and how some celebrate the holiday today:

– Canada is home to about 4,544,870 people claiming to have Irish blood.

– In Chicago, about 45 pounds of green vegetable dye has been dumped into the Chicago River for the past 40 years but it only lasts a few hours.

– Guinness, the iconic Irish beer, expects to sell 7.5 million pints on St. Patrick’s Day – almost twice what it sells on a standard day.

Like this:

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is thrilled to be expanding summer operations for 2016 with the addition of North America’s very first Brandauer Mountain Coaster.

Starting at Revelation Lodge, the unique single-track coaster will travel 1.4 km and drop 279 vertical metres while speeding through ski runs, forest, and a tunnel, before ending up in the Village Plaza.

Unlike a typical roller coaster or the more common dual-rail mountain coasters, the Brandauer design features a monorail which is built close to the ground and simulates the thrill of downhill mountain biking as it travels up to 42 km/hr, with guests controlling their own speed.

“Our coasters have been a huge success in Europe, and we are excited to have the opportunity to install the first Brandauer mountain coaster in North America at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, where I believe the terrain of the lower mountain will perfectly complement our technology and create an amazing ride,” said Brandauer’s President, Josef Brandauer.

This attraction will be the newest addition to Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s exciting lineup of summer activities including Sightseeing via the Revelation Gondola, as well as Heli Adventures with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, offering exhilarating activities including sightseeing, hiking, alpine picnics, and biking.

Peter Nielsen, Vice President of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, said this is another important step towards becoming a true four season resort.

“Revelstoke is a beautiful place in the summer and we jumped at the opportunity to bring in this unique attraction for visitors to the region,” said Nielsen. “I’m certain guests of all ages are going to have a blast speeding down the mountain, taking in unparalleled views on this one-of-a-kind coaster.”

Construction will be complete in spring 2016, and the coaster will be operational for the summer season.

Much is said about our environment and the need for us all to be aware of the impact today’s decisions have on our future. In our facilities, we are always conscious of the need to conserve and demonstrate a caring attitude towards our environment.

Our Environment
We subscribe to the three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in ALL divisions. It starts with our construction sites and their ability to recycle as much material as possible, from one site to another, right through to our restaurants who recycle cooking oils. In our hotels, we ask our guests to participate in helping to reduce excessive laundry requests.

With the combined recycling efforts of our laundries, restaurants, and energy committees, we are constantly trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Annual reviews of our energy consumption, waste removal/recycling, and in-house initiatives are conducted. New ideas and suggestions are distributed throughout the corporation for the sole purpose of minimizing our impact on both the local and global environment.

The HAC Green Key Eco-Rating Program is a voluntary platform designed to recognize hotels that have taken significant steps towards sustainability through participation in environmental programs, best management practices, training programs, and engineering solutions that have benefited the environment and the local community. For a Four Green Key rating, each of the hotels have demonstrated national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through its wide-ranging policies and practices in the areas of energy conservation, water conservation, solid waste management, community outreach, and building infrastructure to name just a few. They have mature environmental programs in place that involve management, employees, guests, and the public and have shown substantial and measurable results.

Sandman’s commitment to sustainability and protection of the environment for future generations has always been one of our company’s core values. We believe our guests will benefit from knowing the hotel they have chosen is doing its part in trying to minimize an impact on the earth.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is excited to announce the addition of an 11-acre terrain park for the 2015-16 season. Work is already underway clearing the park area which will run directly under the Stoke Chair.

When complete, the park will be nearly 450 metres long and 100 metres wide. Including more than 20 jib features, the park will also have a range of jumps that will be expanded throughout the season.

After getting great response to a ‘teaser park’ built last spring, Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s Vice President Peter Nielsen said this is the highly-anticipated next step.

“Our guests have been asking for a terrain park for quite some time, so we are really thrilled to have the resources and team in place to build a full-size progression park,” Nielsen explained.

“We are designing the park to appeal to a wide range of ages and abilities, and I think it is going to be a great addition to our winter offerings.”

Along with expanding the legendary groomed runs Revelstoke is known for, the Resort has also invested in increasing the existing grooming fleet to enable maintenance standards necessary for a high quality terrain park.

Sandman Hotel Group, The Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club, and the City of Kamloops have announced a 10-year naming-rights partnership rebranding the downtown arena as The Sandman Centre.

The Sandman Centre will host all Kamloops Blazers games and many other major events including concerts, the Subway Super Series, Hockey Day in Canada, and the 2016 Women’s World Hockey Championships.

“We are elated to enter into a partnership with Sandman Hotel Group. Their presence throughout Canada is well-recognized,” commented Director of Sales and Marketing, Dave Chyzowski. “Sandman Hotel Group is already one of the Western Hockey League’s premiere sponsors. We are very excited for this new long-term partnership.”

The Sandman Centre officially opened its doors in the fall of 1992 as the Riverside Coliseum, previously known as Sport Mart Place and over the last 10 years as the Interior Savings Centre.

“We’re extremely excited to be part of the city’s arena. This is an incredible sports, cultural, and entertainment venue offering fantastic games, events and concerts to the City of Kamloops and the surrounding communities,” said Taj Kassam, President and COO of Sandman Hotel Group. “Sandman has been a proud citizen of the City of Kamloops for the past five decades, and this partnership allows us to show and share some of this pride.”

As long-time corporate residents, Sandman opened its first Kamloops’ hotel in 1968 and its second in 2014. Together with the Kamloops Blazers and the City of Kamloops, Sandman Hotel Group looks forward to the first home game of the season on Saturday, September 26th against the Kelowna Rockets.

“We’re proud to continue our long-standing relationship with the Blazers and look forward to this collaboration with Sandman over the next 10 years,” commented Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar. “This partnership brings with it the promise of many exciting entertainment opportunities to be hosted at the new Sandman Centre.”

We are pleased to announce the grand opening of Moxie’s Grill & Bar at Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel!

The Kamloops’ Moxie’s concept is a small inviting interior that is the perfect setting for a neighbourhood gathering. The 5,227 square foot building opened at the end of May and encompasses a total of 140 seats inside with a beautiful 698 square foot indoor patio adding an additional 42 seats.

Disa Ottosdottir designed this more rustic space boasting layers of different textures, including reclaimed wood boards, paneled millwork walls, old world cement tiles, rustic brick, and tufted leather upholstery.

The island bar and open concept kitchen allows for interaction and eye contact with our Moxie’s team and our guests. The floor plan uses a combination of banquettes, free standing tables, and booths, so there is something for everyone.

Originally published by John Lanchester, National Geographic, June 2006

Why do we fall in love with soccer? What happens?

At some deep level, the reason soccer snags us is that good soccer is beautiful, and it’s difficult, and the two are related.

A team kicking the ball to each other, passing into empty space that is suddenly filled by a player who wasn’t there two seconds ago and who is running at full pelt and who without looking or breaking stride knocks the ball back to a third player who he surely can’t have seen, who, also at full pelt and without breaking stride, then passes the ball, at say 60 miles an hour, to land on the head of a fourth player who has run 75 yards to get there and who, again all in stride, jumps and heads the ball with, once you realize how hard this is, unbelievable power and accuracy toward a corner of the goal just exactly where the goalkeeper, executing some complex physics entirely without conscious thought and through muscle-memory, has expected it to be, so that all this grace and speed and muscle and athleticism and attention to detail and power and precision will never appear on a score sheet and will be forgotten by everybody a day later–this is the strange fragility, the evanescence of soccer.

It’s hard to describe and it is even harder to do, but it does have a deep beauty, a beauty hard to talk about and that everyone watching a game discovers for themselves, a secret thing, and this is the reason why soccer, which has so much ugliness around it and attached to it, still sinks so deeply into us: Because it is, it can be, so beautiful.

The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup is finally here!

Canadian Living magazine went behind the scenes with the Canadian national women's soccer team. From superstitions to pre-game food to the musicians they rock out to (you won't believe who!), here are the secrets to team Canada's success.

How do you celebrate a win?
“Usually by singing Celine Dion … After one of our big wins last year, or a couple of years in the Cyprus Cups, we had the stereo system in the locker room and we popped in Celine Dion and started singing at the top of our lungs. And that’s usually, as a team, what we do. If anybody walked by they’d think: What a bunch of crazy Canadians. I can’t sing worth anything, but I am singing at the top of my lungs.”
– Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, 31 years old, from Maple Ridge, B.C.

“A lot of dancing, music … (and, after a tournament) Celine Dion’s Power of Love, that’s a good one.”
– Forward Melissa Tancredi, 29, Hamilton, Ont.

“Usually in the locker room we end up singing some kind of Celine Dion song … You can thank Karine LeBlanc for that one.”
– Forward Christine Sinclair, 27, from Burnaby, B.C.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten from a coach?
“Just to be confident in my own skill and my own ability and just to believe in myself. As a girl growing up you’re not expected to be boisterous or look into yourself and be who you are, it’s always like ‘stay in the back, be a team player.’ For a coach to come up to you and say ‘you’re better than you think you are,’ and to push it out of you is the best advice I’ve ever gotten.”
– M.T.

The team’s pre-game rituals
“Music is a must. And, for me, when I put my shin guards on and my cleats, and even when I get my ankles taped, it’s always left side first …”
– M.T.

More of the team’s pre-game rituals
“Left to right: you’ve gotta put on everything from left to right (when getting dressed for the game). And definitely say a prayer. I always say a prayer right before I enter the field and during the national anthem.”
– K.L.

“Pre-game it’s usually plain, simple pasta. Especially with an Italian as a head coach, she’s all about the pasta and the crostata before a game.”
– C.S.

“Actually a lot of us have been taking these goo packets, which are supposed to be a lot of simple sugars right before we play and they taste like chocolate icing, so they’re delicious.”
– Midfielder Diana Matheson, 27, from Oakville, Ont.

Post-game snacks
“Post-game, right away we have Parmesan. It’s gonna sound weird to people but Parmesan is what I look forward to. Parmesan is the first thing we eat in the locker room, as weird as that sounds. I’m a cheese-lover, too, so it works.”
– M.T.

“Certain members of our team are obsessed with Parmesan cheese. I’m not quite there: It’s hard for me to want to stick a brick of Parmesan cheese in my mouth after a game!”
– C.S.

As a Canadian owned and operated company, with hotels in both Canada and the UK, Sandman Hotel Group is excited to cheer for both Team Canada and Team England. Who will you be cheering for?

The summer adventures will all take flight from the heli pad conveniently located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, just steps from The Sutton Place Hotel, and will be operated by Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing.

Jeff Honig, Operations Manager at Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, said they are thrilled by the opportunity to introduce new and existing guests to over 50,000 acres of remarkable terrain this summer.

“While this is new territory for us as a business, it’s a familiar playing field in terms of taking guests into the mountains via helicopter,” he explained.

“I’m certain that guests are going to be blown away by the stunning alpine scenery, and we are looking forward to playing in the Selkirk peaks in warmer temperatures than we’re used to!”

As one of the original heli-skiing operations in the Revelstoke area, Selkirk Tangiers has been offering highly successful winter programs since 1978. The recent approval of the summer tenure application from the British Columbia Ministry of Forest, Land & Natural Resources makes this exciting next step possible.

It’s the summer of giveaways with our ‘Sandman Brings You A Dream’ promotion!

Simply book direct and stay with Sandman between May 1 – September 30, 2015 and you will be automatically entered to win amazing prizes, including: a BBQ & patio set, $6,000 in prepaid credit cards, $4,000 in Sandman gift certificates and much more!

Towel Day encourages all fans to carry around a towel on the momentous date. But where does the idea stem from?

Well, if you’ve read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, you’ll already know the answer! In Guide to the Galaxy, Adams talks about why a towel is the most important item a space-travelling hitchhiker can have.

Not only is it extremely practical – you can use it to keep warm, to lie on, to sleep on, and to use as a miniraft as you sail down the River Moth!

“More importantly, a towel has immense psychological value. For some reason, if a strag (strag: non-hitch hiker) discovers that a hitchhiker has his towel with him, he will automatically assume he is also in possession of a toothbrush, face flannel, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, the strag will then happily lend the hitchhiker any of these or a dozen other items that the hitchhiker might accidentally have “lost”. What the strag will think is that any man who can hitch the length and breadth of the galaxy, rough it, slum it, struggle against terrible odds, win through, and still knows where his towel is, is clearly a man to be reckoned with.”

– Douglas Adams: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

So what can you do to celebrate the day? Well, carry your towel! (okay, that was the obvious one).

Sandman Hotel Group subscribe to the three “R’s” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in all divisions. It starts with our construction sites and their ability to recycle as much material as possible, from one site to another, right through to our restaurants who recycle cooking oils. In our hotels, we ask our guests to participate in helping to reduce excessive laundry requests, and this includes reusing towels.

Approximately 75% of our guests who are asked to participate in our towel-energy savings program do help by using their towels more than once. You can join our fellow guests in this program and help save the environment by reusing your towels during your stay.

With the combined recycling efforts of our laundries, restaurants, and energy committees, we are constantly trying to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Annual reviews of our energy consumption, waste removal/recycling, and in-house initiatives are conducted. New ideas and suggestions are distributed throughout the corporation for the sole purpose of minimizing our impact on both the local and global environment.

From immortal jellyfish and death-defying tardigrades to proposing penguins and voting bovines, facts about animals are something people love to share. Be it because of our love for animals, our fascination with the unknown, or because we like to seem smart to our friends, people love to talk about what animals can do. Unfortunately, a lot of our favourite facts out there are completely wrong. So we’ve dug up 11 amazing animal truths and 11 of the most popular animal myths.

Truths:

1. Gorillas can catch human colds and other illnesses.

2. The female lion does ninety percent of the hunting.

3. The only dog that doesn’t have a pink tongue is the chow.

4. In Alaska it is illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while they’re moose hunting.

5. A tarantula spider can survive for more than two years without food.

6. If you lift a kangaroo’s tail off the ground it can’t hop – they use their tails for balance.

7. If you keep a goldfish in a dark room, it will become pale!

8. The blue whale weighs as much as thirty elephants and is as long as three Greyhound buses.

9. To escape the grip of a crocodile’s jaw, push your thumb into its eyeballs-it will let you go instantly.

10. Even a small amount of alcohol placed on a scorpion will make it go crazy and sting itself to death!

11. The flamingo can only eat when its head is upside down.

How many of the above facts did you know?

Now… on to the myths…

Myths:

1. Bee flight is not a scientific anomaly but actually well understood

No laws of physics are broken, no magic is used, and no bee straps a little jetpack to its back. Bee flight is well within the realm of physics, and we fully understand it. They’ve even built little bee robots, that copy how they fly.

2. A goldfish’s memory is longer than three seconds

And we’re not talking about five seconds here. It has been found that goldfish can remember things that happened at least five months ago, if not more. Crazy, huh?

3. Camel’s don’t store water in their humps

Really, this one kinda just makes sense. Considering how rigid a camels hump is — we can sit on them — the water would have to be frozen. Instead the hump is full of fat, storing three weeks worth of energy. It’s more their kidney that helps them conserve water.

4. Houseflies live longer than 24 hours

This one actually got me for years. I don’t know where or how this story started, but it definitely seems correct…right? Flies actually live nice, long, fulfilling lives, dying at the ripe old age of 13 to 30 days. That is, unless, you include the time they’re a pupa, then they live to be about 35 to 50 days. Talk about geezers.

5. Ostriches don’t stick their heads in the sand

They just don’t.

6. Bats aren’t blind

Their eyes, however, are shit when compared to other nocturnal animals, resulting in the need for echolocation. Really though, shouldn’t this have been common sense, I mean how else would they know that it’s night time.

7. Bears don’t actually hibernate

We’re kind of cheating here a bit. Bears do sleep for long periods of time in the winter, but it’s not actually true hibernation- instead it’s called “winter sleep”. Why don’t they hibernate: science… or the fact that their metabolic rate and body temperature don’t drop to the same degree as real hibernators… so… science!

8. A worm cut in half will not regenerate into two worms

We spent our whole childhoods thinking we were all powerful, doubling the worms in my backyard. Fortunately though, the part with the head — yes, worms have a head — will usually regenerate, as long as the clitellum is cut off with the head. What’s a clitellum? That weird looking thicker portion of a worm- the more you know.

9. You can’t get warts from frogs and toads

What’s the upside of this? Looking for your prince just become wart risk free!

10. Koala bears aren’t bears

They’re marsupials, meaning they have pouches like kangaroos. And frankly, they don’t even look like bears.

11. Wolves don’t howl at the moon

Wolves howl to communicate with each other, and not at the moon. Don’t feel bad though, this myth has been around for hundreds of years. And before you say, “well what if there are wolves on the moon”, episode 3 of the classic late 90s cartoon, Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century, already debunked this, so ha.

Planes, trains, and automobiles. Total relaxation and quality time with family and friends. A vacation in the summer months is one of our most cherished experiences every year. In the same way you benefit from a change of scenery, a new set of clothes and awesome new adventures will completely rejuvenate you.

We want this to be your best summer ever which is why we’re giving everyone the chance to win up to $15,000 in prizes.

Simply book direct and stay with Sandman between May 1 – September 30, 2015 and be automatically entered to win amazing prizes, including: a BBQ & patio set, $6,000 in prepaid credit cards, $4,000 in Sandman gift certificates and much more!

The contract saw Advantex Network Solutions Ltd completing the work at Sandman’s flagship hotel in the UK- from initial enquiry to final installation – in just 10 days.

The installation of new Internet services throughout the 170-room hotel, which usually takes approximately up to five months to complete, will deliver faster connectivity for guests.

Mitch Gaglardi, managing director of Northland Properties Corporation which operates Sandman Hotels in the UK, said people staying at the hotel will benefit from high quality access to faster services using the latest in secure networks.

“As a quality brand operator, we have to be able to provide our guests with the very best in fast, secure, and reliable Internet and email services.”

The work was carried out with support from Newcastle’s government’s connection voucher scheme, run by Newcastle Council, where up to £3,000 of funding is available to help businesses connect.

Sandman Hotel is the latest success for Advantex, a registered supplier under the connection voucher scheme.

Director Stephen O’Connell, who is looking at supporting possible Internet upgrades at other Sandman Hotel sites in the UK, said: “As supplier of connection vouchers, we are helping companies like Sandman Hotel Group improve their brand offering through the provision of quality advice and services.

“It’s a further example of helping our customers to benefit from the voucher funding – from the initial application to the final installation – with expert advice and competitive solutions.”

This article was originally published in Business Quarter, a leading business to business brand recognized for celebrating entrepreneurship and corporate success. To read more about Business Quarter, visit their website: www.bqlive.co.uk.

Few cities can compete with Montreal’s mouth-watering mix of food, festivals, and fun-centric living.

Montreal is a beautiful slice of old Europe in a pie of contemporary design. A day’s wander might take you through the photogenic 18th-century facades of Old Montreal followed by a cycling tour of the lovely Canal de Lachine, or take you through the glittering shops and restaurants of downtown, ending at the inviting terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal. The architectural sweep of the city takes in a wealth of heritage churches such as the breathtaking Basilique Notre-Dame, as well as 20th-century icons like the Stade Olympique and Habitat 67.

It’s not just about the race. It’s about a whole city coming alive with excitement. People arriving in Montreal from every part of the globe with one common objective – Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix!

Hailed as the biggest sporting event in the country, the annual Canadian Formula 1 Grand Prix fuels Montreal’s historic streets with excitement for weeks on end. From June 5-7, 2015, this illustrious international event, held every June on Parc Jean-Drapeau’s Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, is the only Canadian stop on the Formula One World Championship schedule and is the place to be for fans who love car racing or who enjoy thrills.

With events happening all over the city, Sandman couldn’t be more excited and is the ideal location for all your needs. The metro station which takes you to the Grand Prix is across the street (literally steps away) and will drop you off at the track. It’s absolutely perfect.

If Formula 1 isn’t your cup of tea, and you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation, then La Ronde is the perfect place for you.

La Ronde is the largest theme park in Eastern Canada. Inaugurated during Expo 67, La Ronde offers over 40 rides and attractions including Goliath — one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in North America.

Offering exciting rides and attractions, dazzling shows, as well as entertainment, this large amusement park, can be seen from the hotel. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

Close to both Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes and minutes from Silver Star Ski Resort, Sandman Inn & Suites Vernon has 86 beautifully renovated guest rooms simply waiting for you to enjoy.

Perfectly situated between Kelowna and Kamloops and surrounded by natural mountain splendor, Vernon is a great location for road trip stopovers, scenic interior sightseeing and business travels alike. Centrally located, this Sandman features everything from a business centre, high speed Internet, meeting and banquet facilities to a relaxing indoor pool. Whether you’re looking to visit the nearby Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes, Silver Star Ski Resort, surrounding wineries, or you simply want a comfortable nights’ rest, conveniences like an on-site Denny’s 24 Hour Restaurant make this the ideal setting for all your needs.

Due to compromised backcountry conditions, Red Bull Cold Rush will be cancelled in 2015. With safety as the major priority, the decision was made by event organizers to call off the freeski event.

“This event requires deep powder snow to be a success. Safety for athletes and delivering a premium, progressive ski contest are our ultimate goals for Red Bull Cold Rush. Unfortunately, conditions will not allow for either,” said Scott Jewett, National Event Manager.

As a world class ski event that showcases athletes in some of the most challenging natural backcountry terrain, the contest is ultimately at the mercy of nature. While Revelstoke Mountain Resort has terrific terrain and snow on resort, conditions in the remote backcountry regions unfortunately do not support the needs of the contest.

Red Bull Cold Rush is an important pillar of the Red Bull snow program that aims to offer the best and most progressive freeski action, and will return in the future when conditions permit.

Spring comes but once a year, and it comes with a rebirth of flora, warmer weather, and a week (or two) dedicated to enjoying the change.

As far back as history has been recorded, people have celebrated the arrival of Spring—including the ancient Greeks and Romans, who were all about self-indulgence. Of course, those rowdy crowds centered their jamboree on their respect for Dionysus or Bacchus, the Greek and Roman gods of wine. But what we now know as Spring Break really began because of two events: When Fort Lauderdale built Florida’s first Olympic-size pool in 1928, and when MGM released Where The Boys Are in 1960.

Fort Lauderdale’s pool, considered mammoth at the time, brought the nation’s top competitive swimmers to the city during their break from classes, and by the late ’30s, more than 1,500 student athletes were flocking to the city’s College Coaches’ Swim Forum. The first of these forums was hosted in 1938, and droves of college swimmers made Fort Lauderdale their exclusive Spring Break home well into the ’60s. By that time, non-student athletes began to take part in what these swimmers had created; Time first mentioned the phenomenon in their 1959 article titled “Beer & the Beach.”

A year later, MGM released Where The Boys Are, a coming-of-age film that followed four college women during their spring vacation. And just like everything in a postmodern society, reality reflects art. Spring Break became a very real thing for any collegiate male or female who wanted to escape to sand and sun. In 1986, MTV launched its first Spring Break special in Daytona Beach, Florida, and found an annual tradition in showing what really happens on this mid-semester get-away.

By the end of the ’80s, the city that first made Spring Break famous—as evidenced by the 370,000 students who invaded in 1985—said it had had enough of the raunchy and unruly guests it had invited all those years ago. The city adopted stricter public drinking laws, and then-mayor Robert Dressler went on Good Morning America to say that Spring Breakers weren’t welcome anymore. Of course, by that time, there were plenty of other cities hosting their own annual parties—ensuring that Spring Break is a tradition that won’t die out anytime soon.

With an indoor, heated swimming pool and 3-storey waterslide, let your kids splash around while you relax poolside with your favourite book. What a perfect way to let your children blow off some steam!

Book now before this deal slides away.

Book Dates: now – March 21, 2015Stay Dates: March 13 -21, 2015

Rate:

March 13 – 14, 19 – 21, 2015: starts at $139

March 15 – 18, 2015: starts at $149

Includes:

Accommodations

Access to indoor pool & 3-storey waterslide

Complimentary continental breakfast for up to 4 people per night (based on 2 adults and 2 children under 16 years of age)

Terms & Conditions: Rates based on two (2) adults and two (2) children under the age of 16 sharing accommodations. Subject to availability, taxes, and applicable fees. Cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. New bookings only.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, is the most important festival for Chinese people. Legend has it that in ancient times, there was a monster called “Nian” (“year”) that would come out to eat people and animals on the eve of every New Year. To avoid the monster’s attack, people would flee to the depth of the mountains and call this day “Nian Guan” (meaning “the Pass of Nian”). On one New Year’s Eve, there came an old beggar in Peach Blossom Village, where an old lady gave him some food and asked him to hide himself in the mountain to avoid the monster Nian. The old man promised that he could drive the monster away as long as he was put up for the night at the old lady’s home. Being unable to persuade the old man into hiding in the mountain, the old lady went alone. In the middle of the night, the monster Nian dashed into the village. He trembled and cried when he saw the red paper on the door of the old lady’s house, which was brightly lit. Just as the monster reached the entrance, there came blasting sounds that prevented him from moving any further. At that time, the old man, wearing a red robe, opened the door and the monster was scared away. After that, on every New Year’s Eve, every household would paste red couplets, lit off firecrackers, and lit candles, as well as stay awake all night, to avoid being attacked by the monster.

China’s most important holiday

Chinese New Year is the longest national holiday in China, spanning a total of fifteen days, and New Year’s Day is the most important date in the Chinese calendar.

Although China has used the Gregorian calendar since 1912, Chinese New Year is based on the ancient Chinese lunar calendar, and it falls on the second new moon after winter solstice – somewhere between January 21 and February 19, meaning it changes from year to year.

It is pronounced “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin and “Gong Hey Fat Choy” in Cantonese, although both are written the same way.

Roughly a sixth of the world will celebrate it

As well as being celebrated in China itself, celebrations occur in Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and all countries where there are significant Chinese populations.

London and San Fransisco both claim to host the largest celebrations outside of Asia but celebrations occur in most Western countries.

Goat or sheep?

2015 is the year of the goat, but you may see it referred to as the “Year of the Sheep”.

The confusion stems from the Chinese character “yang”, which can translate in colloquial Chinese as either sheep or goat.

Those born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1967, 1979, 1991, or 2003 are goats, who can count their lucky colours as brown, red, and purple.

Their characters are kind and peaceable, while their best months are August and November and their lucky flowers are primroses and carnations.

Year of the Goat

The Year of the Goat is just one of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and each animal is matched to the elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth). This, coupled with different emperor reigns, helped people to remember who was when, enabling the Chinese to trace back 3,000 years with great accuracy.

Personality of the Goat

People born in the Year of Goat are tender, polite, filial, clever, and kind-hearted. They have special sensitivity to art and beauty and a special fondness for quiet living. They are wise, gentle, and compassionate and can cope with business cautiously and circumspectly. In their daily life, they try to be economical. They are willing to take good care of others, but they should avoid pessimism and hesitation.Children will sleep with money under their pillow

Children will be given red envelopes filled with money to bring happiness and good fortune.

The envelopes themselves are good luck, as well as the contents, and some children will sleep with their envelopes under their pillow for up to seven days to increase their luck.

A common misconception is that everyone receives money from everyone as part of Chinese New Year celebrations. In fact, only people who are not married receive the red packets of money (hong bak) and only those who are married give them out.

Lantern Festival

The final day of Chinese New Year celebrations, Day 15, is the Lantern Festival, where red lanterns are released into the sky. The Lantern Festival is one of China’s important traditional festivals and can be traced back more than 2,000 years. At the beginning of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Hanmingdi was an advocate of Buddhism. He heard that some monks lit lanterns in the temples to show respect to Buddha on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Therefore, he ordered all temples, households, and royal palaces to light lanterns on that evening. This Buddhist etiquette gradually formed a grand festival among people.

Another story states that the Lantern Festival was originated from the Torch Festival. During the Han Dynasty, people in rural areas held torches to scare away beasts and insects to reduce insect damages and pray for a good harvest. Nowadays, during the Lantern Festival, people in some areas of Southwest China still have the tradition of lighting torches made of branches or reeds and dance in groups in the fields. The Lantern Festival became very popular during the Sui, Tang, and Song dynasties about 1,000 years ago. According to historical records, during the festival, hundreds of thousands of singers and dancers participated in the celebration which lasted from morning until dawn.

You’ve certainly seen it at least once today, if not actually used it yourself. The “X” as a universal symbol for a kiss is firmly rooted in our lexicon. It’s become so familiar that we barely think about it, but how did this letter become shorthand for a sign of affection? We take a look at why X’s equal kisses, and ponder whether they still will in the future.

History and theories

The Oxford English Dictionary’s definition of the modern alphabet’s 24th letter says the X can be “used to represent a kiss, esp. in the subscription to a letter.” But it’s not just letters or notes anymore. We sign off our text messages, emails, and even comments on social sites with X’s.

Oxford’s earliest written reference of the X used as a kiss dates back to 1763, in a letter from the naturalist Gilbert White. In 1894, Winston Churchill also sent kisses in a letter: “Please excuse bad writing as I am in an awful hurry. (Many kisses.) xxx WSC.”

There are many theories as to how this came to be. One visual theory holds that an X looks like puckered lips.

We cut to the chase and asked Marcel Danesi, professor of anthropology at the University of Toronto and author of The History of the Kiss! The Birth of Popular Culture, about his take on the tradition.

“The X has always been a Christian symbol, and it is the first Greek letter in the name of ‘Christ,'” Danesi says. “As far as I can tell, official letters in the medieval period and even after were literally sealed with the X — sealed with a kiss of faith, I guess.”

Danesi also explains that illiterate people used the X to sign documents. It was customary for them to plant a physical kiss on the X.

“From this domain, the X jumped into another domain, also to signify kissing but a different kind of kissing — romantic, rather than religious. At some point, this became a symbolic practice among everyone,” he says.

This shift from religious to secular meaning seems to parallel the shift to secularism in the Renaissance. Danesi is quick to say that this is all speculative. “But if you look at the historical documents, it seems like a plausible scenario,” he says.

So if X means “kiss,” why does O mean “hug”? Said to be a North American invention, this seems to have a relatively simple reason. X’s and O’s go together (as in tic-tac-toe or naughts and crosses) and an O looks like circled arms creating a hug.

The future

There is no doubt the X is still being used today as the symbol for a kiss — or more loosely, affection — but will the cool kids of 2115 still be signing off their holographic texts with an X?

As software and mobile platforms get increasingly better at presenting graphics, emoticons and emoji have become more and more popular. There are a wealth of fun options available to anyone on iOS, for example, to represent a kiss.

And this may be the problem. There isn’t one clear contender for the most commonly used icon to take the place of an X — nothing as instantly recognizable, or so beautifully simple as a good, old-fashioned X.

But the X has represented a kiss on paper, and now on screens, for centuries. It’s not going to be edged out by an upstart emoticon any time soon.

The day of love has conveniently fallen on a Saturday this year, and with many of us off work for the weekend, it is the perfect opportunity to escape our everyday lives for a night of luxury at a top city centre hotel.

Arrive at the hotel for your overnight stay as part of the Loved Up Experience and be greeted by a beautiful single stem red rose and a bottle of Moet Champagne, waiting patiently in your King Room for your arrival.

Feast on a luxurious box of chocolates from exclusive chocolatier Hotel Chocolat as you plan how you’re going to spend your £50 Eldon Square shopping voucher after your full English breakfast the next day.

I was lucky enough to preview one of the rooms and let me tell you, they’re beautiful, especially when the scene was set with a gorgeous dress and accessories from local designer boutique, Love Niche.

With large windows letting an abundance of light flood into the room, crisp white premium bedding and a bright, spacious bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and complimentry designer toiletries, I couldn’t help but beam when walking into the room. If my husband treated me to this Valentines Day package, I would certainly feel like a princess.

What is really unique about Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel is that over 50% of the rooms have fitted kitchens and the ones that don’t still have a microwave, fridge, wine glasses and tea and coffee making facilities.

The hotel offers a unique service at no extra cost where you can tell them the foods that you would like and they will pop to Waitrose and have them waiting for you in your in-room fridge. What a fabulous idea; why pay a small fortune for a bottle of wine in a hotel bar when you can have your favourite brand chilling for you in your room? This also gives you the option of cooking for your other half this Valentine’s Day or taking them out for a meal to one of the many fabulous restaurants in Newcastle if you want a night away from the stove.

With busy lives, many of us don’t have the time to organise a luxurious romantic getaway but with this Valentine’s Day Package, all you need to do is make a quick phone call to the hotel and the rest will be taken care of for you.

I’m sure you’re wondering how much a night of luxury costs at the Sandman Hotel? Much, much lower than I thought that’s for sure. Most hotels seem to inflate their prices spectacularly for February 14th but not the Sandman, as their Valentine’s Day Package provides very good value for money. Last week, we stayed at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester where the breakfast alone, for two plus tray charge, came to an eye watering £48.90.

You can spoil your loved one with rates starting from only £219 for a King Room and upgrades to suites are available for only a small amount more. I’m sure you’ll agree that you’ll be getting a night of splendour at an affordable price in a hotel that’s conveniently located in the heart of Newcastle.

Call the hotel on 0191 229 2600 to book and let your Valentine’s Day be the best one ever!

Every February, across the world, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones all in the name of romance.

Roses
The rose, which is undoubtedly the most popular flower in the world, speaks of love and has been the choice of lovers in every century. If you rearrange the letters of the word rose you get Eros, the god of Love.

Cupid
Cupid was one of the gods of mythology. In Latin, the word Cupid means “desire”. Cupid is typically represented as a chubby, naked, winged boy or youth with a mischievous smile. He possessed a bow with a quiver of arrows by which he transfixed the hearts of youths and maidens. Cherubs are descendants of Cupid. They are depicted as lovable little winged creatures without arrows and quivers. Cherubs were typically not mischievous like Cupid.

Dinner and a movie are nice, but why not step it up? February 14th is the perfect excuse to go all out for a loved one and do something you normally wouldn’t do.

Sparkling, wine, chocolates, breakfast in bed… No matter where you are in Canada, Sandman has the perfect, romantic packages to spoil your loved one.

Every day is Valentine’s Day at Sandman Hotel Penticton. With beautiful surroundings and an array of activities, we know you will create unforgettable, romantic memories. Each Romance Package includes:

Due to unstable conditions in the backcountry, Red Bull Cold Rush will be postponed until March 23-26 when it will make its Revelstoke Mountain Resort debut.

With safety as the major priority, the decision was made by event organizers to delay the contest.

“Recent warming has impacted our venues in remote areas of the mountain over the last few days. Safety for athletes and delivering a premium, progressive ski contest are our ultimate goals for Red Bull Cold Rush. Unfortunately, current conditions will not allow for either.” – Scott Jewett, National Event Manager for Red Bull Canada

As a world class ski event that showcases athletes in some of the most challenging natural backcountry terrain, the contest is ultimately at the mercy of nature and unseasonably warm temperatures have made current conditions less than ideal outside of the resort’s boundaries.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort is excited to welcome the athletes and the event to their mountain later in the season and are looking forward to an awesome event! See you in March Red Bull Cold Rush!

In the meantime, join us at Revelstoke Mountain Resort for epic skiing, amazing terrain, and the most snow in Canada! We are definitely still open (and you won’t regret experiencing the most vertical in North America)!

The annual average of sunny skies is 2,047 hours, with an annual rainfall of 217.9 mm.

Kamloops has a growing season of 166 days.

The city area covers 311 sq km (Manhanttan is 59.47 sq km with 10 x the population!)

There are 82 parks in Kamloops, covering a total of 1,350 hectares.

Kamloops is one of only two places in Canada where the two national railways (CP and CN) intersect in city limits.

Kamloops is 250 km north of the Washington border; 310 km northeast of Vancouver, and 4,387 km west of Toronto.

Kamloops comes from the Secwepemc word “T’Kumlups”, referring to the flowing together of the North and South Thompson rivers.

Europeans arrived in Kamloops around 1811.

In 1893, Kamloops was incorporated with less than 1,000 people. Today, it has a population of nearly 85,000 and growing.

Riverside Park used to be owned by James McIntosh, one of the most influential men in Kamloops’ early history. McIntosh was employed by HBC. He helped build some of Kamloops’ first roads, developed hydro-electric power for the town, and acted as magistrate. His property includes 100 acres right on the river, which was sold to the city after his death.

Kamloops was once home to famous Canadian poet Robert Service who wrote recognizable hits like “The Cremation of SamMcGee”. He used to work at the Commerce Bank, which is now know as the Brownstone Restaraunt.

In 1888, the first electric light was installed on the corner of 1st and Seymour near City Hall.

Kamloops is Canada’s Tournament Capital and hosts over 100 tournaments each year consisting of 27,878 participants.

$20 Gift Card – Opening Special

Travelling to Kamloops this winter or spring?

Book any rate at Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel through our website, mobile app, or by phone and stay before April 30, 2015 to receive your choice of a $20 gift card to Esso, Starbucks, or Shark Club Bar & Grill. Simply print the voucher below and redeem upon check-in to make your gift card selection.

Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel faces both Riverside Park and The Thompson River, is located directly across the street from the Interior Savings Centre, home of the Kamloops Blazers, and provides a relaxed, elegant comfort.

Each of the 202 beautifully appointed guest rooms at this downtown Kamloops hotel, including the 100 suites, provides the perfect setting to unwind. Relax by the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, enjoy a delicious meal at Shark Club Bar & Grill, or exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness room. Modern amenities, such as complimentary Internet access and a business centre, makes travelling for work or leisure easier and elegant.

Voucher restrictions: Offer valid until April 30, 2015. Maximum of one (1) voucher per stay and can only be redeemed upon check-in. Reservations must be made directly through the hotel, the Sandman website, the Sandman mobile app, or through Central Reservations. Third party reservations do not qualify. Mobile app bonus points will be awarded for Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel reservations only. Bonus points will be allocated to the guest’s mobile app account after hotel check-out.

Invitations went out in early December to a select group of the top freeskiers around the world to meet in Revelstoke, BC for one of the biggest showdowns in the backcountry.

With Red Bull Cold Rush returning after a two year hiatus, athletes were quick to RSVP for a chance to take on a new mountain and claim a winning spot at the legendary contest. As an invitation only event, the 2015 athlete roster is stacked with some of the biggest names in the game featuring 15 male and 5 female competitors.

Being a multi-disciplinary event that fuses big mountain, cliffs, slopestyle, and touring, the competitors come from a diverse background. Athletes will be pushed well beyond their comfort zone in a contest that seeks to reward the most versatile all-around skier. Slopestyle skiers most comfortable with throwing big spins in the park will find themselves negotiating the steep alpine terrain and massive cliff drops of the upper area of Revelstoke Mountain Resort on Mount Mackenzie and traditional big mountain skiers will take on rails, kickers, and other custom built features. To help even the playing field, the contest will include a larger focus on ski touring allowing athletes to potentially recoup points lost in disciplines that are not their strong suit.

The view from the top of the Slopestyle venue for Red Bull Cold Rush 2015 in Revelstoke. Photographer Credit: Bryan Ralph / Red Bull Content

The brand new playing field at Revelstoke Mountain Resort features one of the most all-encompassing contest sites in freestyle skiing, offering an amphitheater of powder that hosts four distinct venues each catering to one of the specific contest disciplines.

Tasked with the job of preparing the venue is veteran builder/freestyle skier Riley Leboe (Vernon, BC) who has been building jumps for as long as he can remember. Of the four contest zones, it is the slopestyle venue that Leboe gets most excited about which will feature roughly eight or nine jump and step-downs where skiers will have a choice to hit three features at the top of the venue, mid mountain, or at the bottom.

“Athletes are going to have to nail three jumps in each line… it’s hard enough stomping one jump first try in the backcountry, so stomping three huge tricks out here is really going to show the level that freeskiing is at,” says Leboe. Beyond the built up kickers, the slopestyle course also comes equipped with some challenging natural terrain like wind lips and a step over that competitors can take advantage of, allowing them to pick their own unique lines on the slope.

Putting this all together takes a six-man crew a full week on the mountain constructing the features entirely by hand. As a competitor in the event himself, Leboe is the perfect candidate to oversee the design of the course, ensuring it is up to the safety and skill expectations of his fellow athletes. He isn’t merely building his own personal dream park as he relies on the close input of other competitors. Athletes Dane Tudor, Chris Rubens, and Tatum Monod have already made a trip to visit Leboe on the build site. Regardless of the competitive format, the close knit group of athletes supports one another to simply ski the best they possibly can.

We are so excited to announce the official opening of our newest Canadian hotel, Sandman Hotel Oakville!

Surrounded by restaurants, parks, sporting venues, and only 20 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Sandman Hotel Oakville is excited to welcome you for your next family gathering, quick getaway, or business meeting.

Conveniently located on the Oakville/Burlington border between Niagara Falls and Toronto, this brand new hotel features 166 beautifully appointed guest rooms with excellent amenities, two on-site restaurants, and complimentary high speed Internet.

Learning a new language, reading more, going on a diet… Do you find keeping New Year’s resolutions to be an impossible task? Well, let’s do something different this year: let’s make resolutions that make sense.

Below are a list of seven resolutions that Sandman’s Head Office is going to (try) and live by for 2015.

1. Do One Push Up Every-Other Day

That’s it.

Really?

Really.

Think about it. The biggest obstacle about working out is laziness and difficulty. When they get combined, the inconvenience of finding a gym, of committing an hour, of changing clothes and planning showers… it works against you.

So, every other day, do a single push-up.

Here’s what will happen. You’ll get into a rhythm and set reminders for your work-out. You’ll have a tiny sense of a continuing promise to self-betterment that is almost too small to forget or avoid. One single push-up with built-in rest days! How could you not?

You’ll gain confidence and a routine for working out, or at least a recurring reminder to think about it. You’ll have the pride of awareness and the momentum of successful obligation to build off; maybe that one push-up will lead to a full set. Maybe crunches too. But maybe not!

Because as long as you do that one push-up, you’ve reminded yourself that there’s room for more and you’ve lifted the fog of apathy from your mind. And, even if you don’t work out more that day, you’ve satisfied your mental requirement for more.2. No Bad Fries

That’s it.

Life is too short for bad french fries. If you’re going to treat yourself, you should appreciate it. Humdrum junk-food eaten without appreciation is a waste of the purpose of food; to serve you and to be savoured. Extend that, then, to all bad junk food; either get the good stuff or get nothing.

This resolution will make you healthier and/or happier. Because you’ll either opt for better fries – sweet potato, truffle-based, garlic parmed – or fries from a place you trust. Once you cut out the generic “I guess” unthinking acceptance of mediocre junk food, you’ll be more aware of eating habits and happier for them.

Keep in mind that this bans only the mediocre, unthinking regretful food – you’re absolutely encouraged to get the good stuff, good slices of pizza, favourite Ben and Jerry’s etc. Those are the better foods in life: this is just about avoiding the wack “I guess” pretenders from your life.

Cut the mediocre from your diet, and you’ll be healthier or happier. And hey, maybe both.

3. Learn More About Something You Love

Do you like movies? Watch more movies. Find the movies you always wondered about and watch them. Rewatch old favourites with a critical eye. Find out what you like about Scorsese or Tarantino or any other director that’s both good, hitting that cross-section of artistic, important, and fun.

If you like movies, pick a director from here: Spike Lee, Tarantino, Hitchcock, or Scorsese. All four directors are important, talented, stylistic, and enjoyable. Seriously.

People talk about learning a new language, or reading more, or any other resolution that sounds like homework. So why not blend the two and find that cross-section of the productive and enjoyable?

You’re more likely to do something you actually want to do. You don’t get credit for saying something.

If you like music, make sure you listen to all the albums you’ve heard are amazing. If you don’t know much outside of rap, but if you haven’t heard “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” do it right now. It’ll be the most productive, enjoyable, and important 68 minutes of your new year.

What else should people read, watch, and hear for the year? Leave your to-do list in the comments and borrow someone else’s. Yay! We’re productive now!

4. Tell The Truth More

Say nice things when you feel them, quickly choose the difficult truths you’re only going to choose later anyway and say “no” to things you don’t want before you regretfully find yourself at seven masquerade brunch-parties.

Cut to the chase in 2015. You’ll be happier, and it’s what you’ve wanted to do all along. Isn’t it relieving to have somebody else tell you to?

5. List Out All The Things You’re Procrastinating And Practice Checking Them Off

None of that vague “I want to work out more!” stuff, either. The clear, simple “what do I need to do this year/month/week” type list.

Here’s an example list for a year’s resolution that gets to the gritty and will keep you accountable.

***

Cook stir-fry at least ten times.

Cook eggs at least twenty times.

Go to the gym at least ten times.

Read at least three novels.

Write at least twenty emails home this year.

(Insert yours here)

***

See? Those are tangible, check-off-able things you can do every day and will add up over the year. You want to cook more? Make a modest (modest! It should seem too easy on paper, because it’ll be much harder in life) numbered list of tasks. Every time you do it, you’ll see and feel the progress of taking a step forward, and you can see the evidence of your year and progress.

It’s like a diary of success that holds you accountable!

Yeah!

6. Toss Everything That Sucks

Simplify your life.

Throw out old clothes that you hate (actually donate them, don’t throw them away) and any other clutter that holds you back, literally or otherwise.

Make space in your life. Leave it elegant and neat and see what new, lovely chaos will come to fill it. Sort through that chaos and take what you love. Toss the rest, and repeat it again.

That’s life, and the more space you give yourself to live in it, the happier you’ll be.

7. Remember Your Successes

Take pride in your accomplishments and they’ll come to you more easily.

Savour your failures and you’ll find them everywhere.

Resolve to have a better perspective on yourself and your improvements in the new year and watch as you step up to fulfill the promise of your attitude.

Feeling good provokes good results. It’s a rare and lovely synergy that should be savoured.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Tell us about them and how you plan on keeping your resolutions this year.

After a two year hiatus, the biggest event in backcountry freeskiing returns to its roots. Fusing the disciplines of backcountry slopestyle, big mountain, cliffs and alpine ski touring, Red Bull Cold Rush will return to Canada from February 3-6 at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia. The Red Bull Signature Series event will see a handful of the world’s premier skiers invited to battle it out for a chunk of the $36,000 prize purse awarded to the most versatile, well-rounded freeskiers.

The return of Red Bull Cold Rush means a blend of fresh powder and fresh ideas. Along with the new location in Revelstoke, the event is also being updated with fresh elements including innovative on-mountain features and a competition format that places a greater focus on alpine touring. But one thing remains the same: the peer-judged three-day competition will see athletes pushing one another to raise the bar of backcountry freeski progression.“Red Bull Cold Rush is the one and only top tier event that I, and all the other backcountry skiers, have to express our type of skills in a competition format. The fact that this amazing event is coming back to Canada just gets me all fired up! It’s where I spend my winter doing what we do, so I’ll be right at home this year” says Sean Pettit, professional backcountry freeskier and two-time winner of Red Bull Cold Rush in 2010 and 2011.

HISTORY OF RED BULL COLD RUSH

In an event that pits man against nature, nature always has the upper hand. Born and bred in Canada, the first ever Red Bull Cold Rush was set to take place in 2007 at Red Mountain in Rossland, BC, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Due to warm temperatures and a deep freeze that followed, the terrain was deemed unsafe to ski. When the event returned to the mountain in 2008, it was a skiers’ dream come true. Blue skies and deep snow greeted some of the best freeskiers in the world. Dave Treadway ended up at the top of the podium followed by Sean Pettit in 2nd and the late JP Auclair in 3rd.

In 2009 and 2010, the event moved to Retallack, BC pushing riders further and into new and challenging territory. A year later, Red Bull Cold Rush moved south of the border for the first US event held at Silverton, Colorado where it remained for a second year into 2012.REVELSTOKED! THE MOUNTAIN

Even in the powder-heaven that is the BC Interior, Revelstoke was a stand-out destination and obvious choice to play host for the return of Red Bull Cold Rush. Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts the most vertical in North America at 5,620 ft. of lift accessed terrain, two alpine bowls and legendary glades. The only resort worldwide to offer lift, cat, heli and backcountry access from one village base, it has become a true ski mecca and synonymous with backcountry adventure.
>“This is the perfect event for us because it showcases all we have to offer – our diverse terrain, excellent conditions and all the challenging vertical and features they could event want” says Revelstoke Mountain Resort General Manager Rob Elliott.

On average, the mountain’s peak receives roughly 30-45 ft. of the fluffy stuff every year. For those in search of the white room, the high altitude and location in BC’s Interior Selkirk Mountains brings some of the most consistent quality snow in the region.

PEER PRESSURE: EVENT FORMAT

There’s nothing more important than impressing your friends, and that is exactly what the premier field of 15 men and 5 women will do throughout the peer-judged event as athletes aim to raise the bar of backcountry freestyle progression. Following each run, competitors will evaluate one another on performance basing scores on style, speed and technique.

Spread across three powder-laden days, the competition focuses on several distinct ski disciplines including backcountry slopestyle, big mountain, cliffs and alpine touring in order to find the best all-around freeskier. Each day of competition will focus on one specific discipline, with a new emphasis on the ski touring component that will see athletes traversing to different areas of the mountain in the shortest possible time. Athletes will now be able to accumulate more points through the touring portion, helping to offset potentially lower scores in other disciplines that might not be their strong suit.

Since 2007, Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) has offered the most vertical in North America at 1,713 metres (5,620 ft.) of lift-accessed terrain, 3,121 acres of fall line skiing, 2 high alpine bowls, and 65 named runs including legendary glades and phenomenal groomers. Revelstoke Mountain Resort is also the only resort worldwide to offer lift, cat, heli and backcountry skiing from one village base. Across our group of companies that include RMR, Revelstoke Cat Skiing and Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, skiers and snowboarders have access to a total of 515,000 acres of terrain. For all the latest news, visit www.revelstokemountainresort.com.

About The North Face

The North Face, a division of VF Outdoor, Inc., was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for the rigors of their next adventure. Today we are the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people explore and test the limits of human potential. We protect our outdoor playgrounds and minimize our impact on the planet through programs that encourage sustainability. The North Face products are available at premium and specialty retail sporting goods stores globally and we are headquartered in California on a LEED Platinum-certified campus. For more information, please visit www.thenorthface.com.

About The Red Bull Signature Series

The Red Bull Signature Series is the most progressive action sports property in the world, featuring best-in-class events such as Frozen Rush, Joyride, Rampage, Straight Rhythm, Mint 400 and Volcom Pipe Pro. These represent a collection of the most innovative snowboarding, skiing, surfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, motorsports and BMX events on custom courses inspired by the athltes themselves.

Staff from Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel pose with members of the Newcastle Falcons.

The Newcastle Falcons announced yesterday they have two new partners for the remainder of the 2014/15 season: Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel, their new official hotel partner, and Shark Club Bar & Grill, the gastronomically minded sports bar situated within the hotel’s premises.

The Newcastle Falcons (formerly Gosforth FC/Newcastle Gosforth until 1996) is an English rugby team that returned to the Aviva Premiership on May 29, 2013 after a season in the RFU Championship. The club was established in 1877and played under the name Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. At the start of the professional era, the club adopted its current name Newcastle Falcons.

The partnership will see a number of events for Falcons’ supporters and corporate clients staged over the remainder of the current season at both Shark Club and the Hotel. Falcons’ supporters as well as visiting opposition team fans will also be able to take advantage of some exclusive room rates at the luxury 4-star city centre hotel.

Speaking about the new partnerships, Newcastle Falcons managing director Mick Hogan said: “It’s fantastic news that both the Sandman Signature Hotel and Shark Club are partnering with the club for the remainder of the 2014/15 season. We look forward to working with both organisations to deliver a series of great events for our supporters and corporate clients over the next eight months. The management at the Sandman Signature Hotel and Shark Club are a very impressive and forward thinking team. They have already proposed some fantastic ideas that will mean this partnership really delivers for all involved.”

Executive General Manager of the Hotel, Paul Smith said: “The Sandman Signature Hotel ethos is to work closely with the business and corporate community, with relationships in our home region of the North East. As a top sports bar and dining destination for all the major sporting fixtures, Shark Bar & Grill was perfectly partnered to link with the Newcastle Falcons. We are proud to have a region which has nurtured so much sporting talent across the board, and we are delighted with this new partnership.”

Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel and Shark Club Bar & Grill were originally home to the former iconic Scottish & Newcastle Brewery which has played a significant role in the city’s history. The Hotel is surrounded by key attractions in the city including a thriving shopping district, China Town, Newcastle University, The Centre for Life, Quayside, the stunning North East coastal region and Intu Metrocentre, the biggest shopping centre in Europe.

General Manager of the Shark Club Bar & Grill Adrian Lowry said: “Newcastle Falcons are a perfect association for our profile at Shark. We are a sports bar destination with a fantastic sporting fixture diary available on 37 flat screens around the bar. We hope to see players, visiting teams, dignitaries, guests and VIPs in the sports bar throughout the season.”

The Hotel features a roof top gym, fast Wi-Fi, a range of luxury bedrooms including guest rooms with fully equipped kitchens, an optional Waitrose shopping delivery service and an overnight laundry service designed for the business, leisure and sport travellers.

The Hotel also offers extremely comfortable family rooms with extra large bunk beds, top quality mattresses, kitchens as well as the usual luxury suites and double bedrooms.

Newcastle Falcons next Aviva Premiership fixture sees them take on Saracens at Kingston Park stadium on Saturday, December 27.

For more information about Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel, click here.

As the snow continues to fall on Mt. Mackenzie, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is preparing to open November 29th amidst excellent early season conditions.

With over 270 cm of snow already, and a further 30-40 cm forecast before opening day, the 2014/15 season will be kicking off with a base of over 115 cm and enough powder to go around.

“Things are looking awesome! With all the new snow we will be opening top to bottom, giving skiers and snowboarders access to all 5620 ft of vertical,” says Mike Verwey, Mountain Operations Manager.

“Looking at the forecast, what is going to make this even better than past opening days is that we are going to have amazing visibility… after all the snow comes down, it is going to clear up and be bluebird for Saturday.”

One hundred per cent of the lifts on the mountain will be operational for the first day of the season, giving skiers and snowboarders access to nearly all of the 3,121 acres of inbound terrain.

With all that untouched powder being served up, Steve Bailey, Director of Skier Services and Base Area Operations says, “be prepared for Saturday to feel like heli-skiing, but for the price of a lift ticket.”

Lifts will start operating at 8:30am on Saturday, with the last ride on the Ripper at 2:30pm and on the Stoke at 3pm.

The cold winter months have very few redeeming qualities. Many animals find that the best thing to do is simply sleep through it while studies show that human beings sleep more during the winter months as well. One of the few redeeming qualities of winter is snow.

There are few things more magical than looking out the window from your house and discovering those first flurries gently falling to the ground. Then the snow builds up outside our houses and we know the time has come to put on warm slippers, a cozy blanket, and curl up with some hot chocolate.

If snow and cold weather aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Sandman is the perfect place to stay warm this winter.

This winter, the Sandman hotels across British Columbia have the perfect offers to keep you warm.

Don’t let the winter blues get you down…
Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel has the perfect warm-up package for you.

Experience British Columbia’s Friendliest City this winter with exclusive rates sure to keep you warm during the cold winter months. Simply book this offer before December 31, 2014 and save 25% off the Best Available Rate. There’s never been an easier way to stay warm and get away at the same time. Book Now

Want to save while you stay with Sandman? Sandman Penticton’s got the perfect package for you. Simply book 2 or more nights and receive 15% off the Best Available Rate for a room of your choice.

Home to some of BC’s most celebrated wineries and surrounded by picturesque lakes, mountains and scenery, you can experience all that Penticton has to offer while enjoying our wonderful accommodations. Book Now

Facing both Riverside Park and The Thompson River, our newest hotel, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel brings luxurious comfort and cutting edge technology in every room. Situated directly across the street from the Interior Savings Centre, home of the Kamloops Blazers, this six-storey hotel has been designed from the ground up, with the expressed purpose of providing our guests a relaxed, comfortable elegance.

Each of the 202 beautifully appointed guest rooms at this downtown Kamloops hotel, including the 100 suites, provides the perfect setting to unwind. Relax by the indoor swimming pool and hot tub, enjoy a delicious meal at Shark Club Bar & Grill, or exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness room. Modern amenities, such as complimentary Internet access and a business centre, makes travelling for work or leisure easier and elegant.

This year, November 11th not only marks Remembrance Day but the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. The poppy has a long association with Remembrance Day, but how did the distinctive red flower become such a potent symbol of our remembrance of the sacrifices made in past wars?

Scarlet corn poppies (popaver rhoeas) grow naturally in conditions of disturbed earth throughout Western Europe. The destruction brought by the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century transformed bare land into fields of blood red poppies, growing around the bodies of the fallen soldiers.

In late 1914, the fields of Northern France and Flanders were once again ripped open as World War One raged through Europe’s heart. Once the conflict was over the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields.

The significance of the poppy as a lasting memorial symbol to the fallen was realised by the Canadian surgeon John McCrae in his poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy came to represent the immeasurable sacrifice made by his comrades and quickly became a lasting memorial to those who died in World War One and later conflicts. It was adopted by The Royal British Legion as the symbol for their Poppy Appeal, in aid of those serving in the British Armed Forces, after its formation in 1921.

On May 2, 1915, John McCrae’s close friend and former student Alexis Helmer was killed by a German shell. That evening, in the absence of a Chaplain, John McCrae recited from memory a few passages from the Church of England’s “Order of the Burial of the Dead”. For security reasons, Helmer’s burial in Essex Farm Cemetery was performed in complete darkness.

The next day, May 3, 1915, Sergeant-Major Cyril Allinson was delivering mail. McCrae was sitting at the back of an ambulance parked near the dressing station beside the Yser Canal, just a few hundred yards north of Ypres, Belgium.
As John McCrae was writing his In Flanders Fields poem, Allinson silently watched and later recalled, “His face was very tired but calm as he wrote. He looked around from time to time, his eyes straying to Helmer’s grave.”

Within moments, John McCrae had completed the “In Flanders Fields” poem and when he was done, without a word, McCrae took his mail and handed the poem to Allinson.

Allinson was deeply moved:

“The (Flanders Fields) poem was an exact description of the scene in front of us both. He used the word blow in that line because the poppies actually were being blown that morning by a gentle east wind. It never occurred to me at that time that it would ever be published. It seemed to me just an exact description of the scene.”

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to revel in Canada’s urban legends.

Spooks, specters and spirits abound, Canada is rich with ghost stories and tales of the supernatural. We’ve rounded up the most skin-crawling locations Canada has to offer, so you can find out whether there really is something to all these spooky tales (that is, if you think you can handle it). Read on to discover where you’re most likely to find things that go bump in the night…

1. Keg Mansion, Toronto, ON

Today, it’s one of many locations of the Keg steakhouse franchise, but the Keg Mansion was once the private residence of industrialist Hart Massey and his family. As legend has it, in 1915, after the death of Massey’s beloved only daughter, Lillian, one of the maids was so stricken by grief that she hung herself. Another version of the story involves the maid killing herself for fears her rumoured affair with a Massey man would be revealed. Either way, the ghostly image of a maid hanging by her neck has been seen by more than one Keg visitor over the years.

2. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, AB

Thought the Bates Motel in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho or Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining were scary accommodations, the Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s most picturesque hotels, but it’s also rumoured to be one of the country’s most haunted. Built in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this hotel is the site of numerous terrifying ghost sightings, including a murdered family in room 873, a bride who died falling down the hotel’s marble staircase, and a retired bellhop named Sam Macauley who continues to haunt the hotel dressed in full uniform.

3. Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, ON

Business Tycoon Charles Melville Hays commissioned the Fairmount Château Laurier, but died tragically aboard the Titanic just days before the hotel’s grand opening in 1912. Hays’ spirit has since been rumoured to be seen roaming throughout the property. Had we invested our time and money into crafting the lavish Château, only to die mere days before its completion, we’d likely be inclined to return as well.

4. The Old Spaghetti Factory, Vancouver, B.C.

It’s been said that the ghost of a train conductor still haunts this popular eatery built atop an old underground railway track. Inexplicable cold drafts and mysteriously rearranged table settings are the calling card of the deceased conductor. Making matters truly skin tingling is a photograph of the 1950s-era, decommissioned electric trolley now featured in the restaurant’s dinning room. The photo depicts hints of “a ghostly figure”, believed to be the train conductor, standing on the steps of the trolley.

5. Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto, ON

Prior to serving as Canada’s hockey shrine, this building was once a Bank of Montreal. Legend has it that a lonely bank teller named Dorothy took her own life after her romantic advances were rejected by the bank’s manager. Dorothy’s ghost is now believed to occupy the Hockey Hall of Fame, with some visitors reporting they heard inexplicable sounds of a woman crying throughout the building.

6. Craigdarroch Castle, Victoria, B.C.

Built in the 1890s for coal miner Robert Dunsmuir and his family, this Victorian-era mansion has since become an eerie Canadian tourist attraction. Rumours of a piano that plays by itself, and sightings of a ghastly woman in white have frequently been reported. Many attribute the castle’s supernatural proclivity to Dunsmuir’’s untimely demise just a year before the building was completed.

7. Plains of Abraham, Quebec City, QC

In 1759, Major General James Wolfe and British soldiers staged a three-month siege of Quebec City against the French army, culminating in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. Being the location of one of the most famous battles in Canadian history, it’s no wonder there have been numerous sightings of ghostly soldiers appearing throughout the Plains’ fields and tunnels. Both Wolfe and French Major General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm died in the battle – and we can’t help but wonder whether their spirits are still battling it out to this day.

8. Maritime Museum of B.C., Victoria, B.C.

Located in Victoria’s well-known Bastion Square is the Maritime Museum, which was once the site of the city’s jail and gallows. Some say that if you look through the windows at the Museum’s entrance, a shadowy, slender, Van Dyke-bearded figure can be spotted gliding down the main staircase. The mysterious apparition is thought to be the ghost of Sir Matthew Baillie Begbie, Victoria’s infamous “Hanging Judge”.

9. Government House, Regina, SK

This building, completed in 1891, has been the site of several reported hauntings over the years. Strange occurrences such as doors opening and closing on their own, the shuffling of footsteps, and eerie faces appearing in the reflections of mirrors have all been reported.

10. West Point Lighthouse, O’Leary, P.E.I.

The sight of a lighthouse, bathed in pitch black darkness, conjures up all sorts of frightful possibilities. Rumours have long swirled that the first keeper of the lighthouse, Willie, haunts the West Point Lighthouse Inn located next door. Talk about a turndown service you’d never want to get!

If you’re anything like us, you’re eagerly anticipating the first big snowfall of the season (and more importantly November 29!) and are on the lookout for anything that is going to get you amped for the upcoming season.

Well, look no further!

Here’s what you need to do: go grab some popcorn and get ready to see Revelstoke take over the big screen!

Last season we were lucky enough to have five of the top production companies in the biz shooting feature films here; and what better way to start getting psyched for the 2014/15 season than watching some of the biggest names in skiing and snowboarding tearing it up in our winter wonderland?

(Face it, it’s better than your idea of walking around in your long johns and ski boots for the next two months.)

You are sure to recognize some of your favourite RMR terrain in Lynsey Dyer’s highly anticipated film Pretty Faces. The movie, featuring all female skiers and geared towards a female audience, is the first first entirely crowd-sourced, crowd-funded ski movie.

If you get a chance to take in the latest Poorboyz masterpiece, Twenty, you’ll see Tanner Hall pushing the limits in the closing segment. Hall spent six weeks in Revy and says his part of the film is 100 percent shot here.

Other top films featuring Revelstoke in a major role are: Teton Gravity Research’s Almost Ablaze, Matchstick Productions’ Days of my Youth and Absinthe’s Heavy Mental.

Below are trailers and Revelstoke tour dates for these not to be missed films… just don’t blame us if after watching them you’re itching to rip some big lines.

Autumn is upon us, but that’s no reason to stop travelling. The fall season is one of the best times to hit the road, and here are a few reasons why.

1. Good weather
Just because the calendar says autumn doesn’t mean the weather automatically turns frosty. This sweater weather means you can bundle up in your favourite scarf or hoodie and enjoy the last few months outside before winter sends us indoors.

2. Festival season
Many places host fall festivals that often revolve around the harvest, so just think of all the delicious food and wine you could be enjoying.

3. Fall colours
Regions like eastern Canada and the Rockies are especially beautiful at this time of year. As the leaves on the trees change colour and create an array of reds, oranges, and yellows, take advantage of nature’s perfect photography backdrop.

4. Crowds are smaller
The lower demand for travel during fall means lines are shorter and you won’t be shoulder to shoulder with other tourists. Children are back to school so the travellers you will meet tend to be couples looking for some peace and quiet. Your boss will also be happy to give you the time off because no one else is travelling.

5. Prices are lower
We saved the best reason for last! Fall is the shoulder season, sitting between the peak summer season and the busy winter season. The slower demand in fall means many airlines, hotels (Sandman included) and attractions charge lower prices in an effort to drum up business.

I have a confession to make. You know those little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and lotions and those little single use bars of soaps that you find in hotel rooms? Well, we take them. All of them! We don’t go to the extremes of raiding the maid’s cart, as others may do, but if it is in the room, we take them. Of course, bathrobes, slippers, and towels are off limits, as that is just plain stealing. But those little bottles and soaps, we will clean them out.

While some of you may think “What’s the big deal, we do the same thing,” others may be shocked at our criminal behavior. I read an article awhile ago that called the act of taking those little bottles and soaps criminal and was appalled that anyone would commit such a heinous crime. But we see things a little differently.

Some people actually collect those little bottles and soaps, while others take them just to take them. I believe the people that take them just to take them are wannabe kleptomaniacs that don’t want the guilt of stealing more tangible items. So why would we risk hard prison time over the taking of these little bottles of shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and soaps? Because we use them! That’s right, we actually use shampoo and soap and they are the perfect size for travel and camping. So instead of having to buy those overpriced trial sized bottles in the store, or buying small empty bottles and dealing with the hassle of having to refill them and spilling the contents all over the place, we just stick with the little hotel bottles and mini bars of soaps.

Now the big moral question regarding the taking of these little hotel shampoos and soaps is if in fact it is truly stealing, or do they want you to take them? I think the answer is they want you to take them. The little bottles and bars of soap are little mini billboards that you will see each time you use them. They are usually branded with the hotels name and logo, and not that of a skin and hair care company. I believe they want you to take them and so each time you see that little bottle you can think, “Wow, I had a great time at Hotel XYZ and I should go back there.”

Travel Junkies are a family of three from Portland, Oregon who sold their house, quit their good jobs, and left Portland November 1, 2012 to travel around-the-world for two years with their daughter.

3. Put a dryer sheet at the bottom of a suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.

4. Use a spring from an old pen to protect chargers from bending and breaking.

5. Skip the long lines for airport bathrooms.It may seem like common logic, but the first bathroom in the terminal is the most crowded one. Use the next one to skip the long waits and save precious time.

6. Use a binder clip to protect the head of shaving razors.

7. If you forget your wall plug, charge devices through the USB slot on a TV.

8. Roll clothes, instead of folding, to save tons of baggage space.

9. If you have clothes that need to be folded, use tissue paper to keep them from wrinkling.

10. Use a pill container to keep jewelry organized and untangled.

11. Scan important documents before leaving for your trip.In the event of theft or misplacement, it comes in really handy to have extra copies of your passport, identification cards and flight itineraries that you can easily access on your smartphone or tablet.

12. Speed Up Going Through SecurityWhen going through security, stuff your small belongings like wallets, keys and phones into your bag before placing it on the conveyor belt. It eliminates the need for separate bins and saves you time.

13. Tuck your soap and wash cloth together with this easy-to-fold pouch.

16. Keep your headphones from tangling by winding them around a binder clip.

17. Keep hair clips tidy with an empty Tic Tac container.

18. Sit in the seats near the wing of the plane for the least turbulence.The seats along the wings of a plane usually have the least amount of bounce when flying because it has more structural support.

20. To use Google Maps offline, type “OK Maps,” and the visible area will save for future access.

21. Cram the most into your carry on.Vacuum sealed bags can save you a ridiculous amount of space in your carry on. Makes the need for checking a bag obsolete.

22. Instead of buying water at the airport, bring an empty bottle along and fill it up after passing security.

23. When reserving airline seats for two people, get the aisle and window.If no one takes the middle seat you get a full row, and if someone does, just ask to switch so you can sit next to your travel partner.

24. Wait to buy airline tickets until 3pm on Tuesdays.Typically this is when the big Airlines reduce their fares.

25. Certain times are better for using the airplane bathroom.Since most airlines don’t let you stand in line for the restrooms, the best times to use it are right after the plane has leveled off and 15-20 minutes before landing.

26. Get the Wi-Fi password for many establishments by checking the comments section of FourSquare.

27. Use your GPS when travelling abroad.If you’re travelling abroad without an international plan, turn on airplane mode and turn off data to use the GPS without connecting to the Internet. Simply load the Google map of the area before heading out the hotel, and you’ve got a fully functional map to navigate the area.

28. Skip the wait at the baggage claim.Even if it’s not, marking your bag with a fragile label leads to gentler handling by airport staff. Also they’re often loaded on the top of the other luggage meaning it’s one of the first to come out at the baggage claim.

29. Remove other tourists from your vacation photos.

30. Use ATMs instead of airport currency exchanges to save money.Many ATMs will offer much lower rates than what you can get from the airport currency exchanges.

31. For bonus points, travel with a power strip and be the airport hero.

32. As a treat to yourself, send yourself a postcard from each day of your travels. It’ll be a nice treat to come home to and make the transition back to reality easier.

Most importantly… keep travelling!

Written by Distractify, a leading entertainment company in the mobile era. Through an understanding of content creation and social sharing, Distractify publishes some of the most popular content on the Web, exploring culture, lifestyle, human insight, and humor. Since launching in October 2013, Distractify has reached over 200m global readers.

Their well-travelled expert nomination panel – a wine educator and a wine buyer – made the original selections and then readers voted daily during the contest’s four-week run. While British Columbia’s Okananagan Valley enjoyed an early lead, fans of Portugal’s appealing Alentejo region eventually assured it took top honours.

The full list of winners in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for ‘Best Wine Region to Visit’ contest category is as follows:

Alentejo, Portugal

Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Maipo, Chile

Marlborough, New Zealand

Croatia

Napa Valley, California

Tuscany, Italy

Oregon, United States

Hunter Valley, Australia

Virginia, United States

Beautiful view from Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel

With six hotels in the Okanagan – two in Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Princeton & Vernon – many of which offer amazing Wine Packages, Sandman Hotel Group is absolutely thrilled about the Okanagan Valley receiving this amazing recognition.

If you have ever had the pleasure of travelling through the Okanagan, you have experienced great wines from a world where the most skilled grape-growers and winemakers create absolute works of art.

The below is an excerpt from one lucky traveller’s journal.

Driving south from Okanagan Falls, with a quick stop at the famous Tickleberry’s for a double-scoop black cherry ice cream cone (irresistible, by the way), the Valley not only heats up to over 40C most of the summer, but flattens into a narrow, guarded valley.

The terroir of the South Okanagan begins at the McIntyre Bluff, which lies on the western side of Okanagan Valley, halfway between Oliver, the self-anointed Wine Capital of Canada, and Okanagan Falls. Vaseux Lake, part of the Okanagan River system, nearly abuts this prominent landmark. This cliff is the steepest and most dramatic in the Okanagan Valley, and the valley itself is the narrowest and most constricted in the Okanagan at this spot. It is here that the soils and climate begin to define a truly southern region unlike any other in British Columbia, or Canada, for that matter.

This distinctive valley is actually the northern most tip of the transcontinental Sonoran Desert with an annual rainfall of 9 inches or less and some of hottest temperatures in Canada. Its latitude is similar to France with long daylight growing hours, clear unpolluted skies and a light intensity that rivals any wine growing region in the world.

It is gorgeous here, as everywhere you look the stunning landscape of sunburned hills, sandy desert with its silver sage, antelope bush, and prickly pear cactus, is abutted to the lush greenery of vineyard after vineyard. It is a beautiful collision of raw natural splendor and intrepid winemaker, lured here by both the potential and the challenges of a region so unlike any other in the world.

The South Okanagan is made up of three distinct benches each with its own microclimates that define each appellation.

• The Black Sage Bench sits on top of sandy soil that can run up to 300 feet deep. Parts of this area are protected ecological habitats that preserve antelope-brush, bunchgrass, sage and prickly pear cactus.

• The Osoyoos Bench is comprised of soils such as Stepney, Trepanier and Trewitt. These soils have developed in deep gravel-free and stone-free sandy, coarse-textured fluvioglacial deposits and minor fluvial fan deposits. The soils are well to rapidly drained.

• The Golden Mile Bench soils vary from Ponderosa, Ratnip and Stemwinder. They have developed in gravelly, cobbly, stony and bouldery coarse to medium-textured fluvial fan deposits.

Each of these areas bring distinct wine characteristics equal to any appellation found in Burgundy, Bordeaux or the Rhone Valley in France.

The South Okanagan is fertile ground for B.C.’s ripest grapes and is home to the best Bordeaux-style (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc) and Rhone-style (Syrah) wines being made in Canada. On the white side, Pinot Gris is a specialty of the region along with Chardonnay and Gewuztraminer.

The area, collectively known as the South Okanagan Wine Association (formerly called Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country), is a region that includes 21 wineries, from McIntyre Bluff to the north to the U.S. border in the south. The stunning beauty of the South Okanagan combined with the near-perfect growing conditions for the major vinifera grapes make it an ideal location for touring, staying and tasting.

The region still has a rural feel to it and is unspoiled by major development, other than the rush by wineries to plant more vineyards, build larger tasting rooms and gorgeous hilltop winery restaurants.

Touring in this region is a wonderful mix of wine, pastoral beauty with creeks, lakes, the historic and aboriginal influences, and stunning lake-side resort relaxation in near-perfect weather conditions from spring to fall.

Most Canadians are well versed in the stories of Christmas and Easter, and we all know that Canada Day recognizes the birthday of our nation. But for many, the first-Monday-of-August long weekend (often referred to on calendars as “Civic Holiday”) is shrouded in mystery and, at times, confusion.

Let us clear the air.

A long time ago, there was a lengthy and dreary gap between Canada Day and Labour Day where no holiday occurred. The first Monday of August, occurring right between the two, seemed like the perfect place for a summer holiday.

But there is more to it than that. Few know that what is most widely known as “Civic Holiday” actually has ties to the abolition of slavery which officially took place on August 1, 1834. Some communities across Canada call this “Emancipation Day”.

Across Canada, the day is known as “British Columbia Day,” “New Brunswick Day” or “Saskatchewan Day,” depending on where you are. Alberta calls it “Heritage Day,” and in Nova Scotia and PEI, they celebrate “Natal Day”.

In Ontario, the holiday has many aliases. It began in 1869 when Toronto City Council marked it as a “day of recreation”. Later on, Burlington recognized the Monday as “Joseph Brant Day”, while Brantford, Oshawa, Ottawa, and Sarnia all followed suit with names of their own (Founders’ Day, McLaughlin Day, Colonel By Day, and Alexander Mackenzie Day respectively). Municipalities across Ontario have a range of local names for the holiday honouring different historical figures, yet most Ontario workplaces simply go with “Civic Holiday”.

Today, Toronto’s official name for the first-Monday-of-August long weekend is “Simcoe Day”, and it coincides with Toronto’s annual Caribana festival. And although many organizations give employees the day off , this Monday is not a “statutory holiday” nor is it recognized or mentioned in Ontario’s Employment Standards Act.

As for Manitoba, there’s a new movement to have the weekend renamed Terry Fox Day starting next year. A bill to rename the holiday after the Winnipeg-born icon will be introduced in the upcoming fall session. Fox died in 1981 at the age of 22 while attempting to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research.

“His birthday is on July 28 — that’s very close to the Civic Holiday,” said Manitoba’s Premier Greg Selinger. “So it is just a way for us to think of his contribution as we are enjoying time with our family on the long weekend.”

No matter where you’re from, where you’re celebrating, or what you call the holiday, enjoy the long weekend!

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has sold its St Andrews Street building in the heart of Aberdeen city centre to Sandman Hotel Group in a multi-million pound deal which will allow the university to continue with the development of its Garthdee campus.

Sandman will transform RGU’s St Andrews Street building into a four-star premium hotel complex with 220 rooms, including 61 one-bedroom suites, a restaurant, and convention facilities.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU said, “The sale of St Andrews Street to Sandman Hotel Group will provide major benefits to the city as well as RGU. The capital received will allow us to continue with the development of our teaching and learning facilities, providing our students with an outstanding educational environment. In addition, the city will benefit from a new four-star hotel and a development which will help drive forward the regeneration of Aberdeen’s city centre.”

“We are thrilled to open our first hotel in Scotland and partner with RGU,” said Taj Kassam, President of Sandman Hotel Group and The Sutton Place Hotels. “Our brand of hospitality fits perfectly into the iconic city of Aberdeen. I was educated in Scotland and this is where I began my career, so it gives us a great feeling of pride and excitement to open a property here.”

RGU is currently in the process of building new facilities for the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment as part of the ongoing development of the university’s Riverside East building which opened to students in September 2013.

Professor von Prondzynski added, “Staff and students of the Scott Sutherland School will benefit from working closely with colleagues from other disciplines than has previously been possible. In addition, the development of our campus is allowing us to better engage with our professional and industry partners.”

The new facilities will complement the university’s existing buildings at the east end of the campus in terms of their innovative design and style, while providing an outstanding educational environment for its students. The campus will retain its park-like ambience and provide a recreational setting for the benefit of staff, students, and the local community.

Whether you’re looking for a stretch of sand to spread out and relax with a good book, an outdoor court to spike a volleyball, or a catwalk to strut your stuff, Vancouver’s got it. You’ll easily find a beach everywhere you turn.

The following is a list of some of the best beaches in the city.

Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano Beach

If Vancouver is “Hollywood North,” then Vancouver’s Kitsilano Beach – or “Kits Beach” to the locals – is our Venice Beach. Buff and bronzed bodies are sure to make their rounds but don’t be wary, you’re sure to fit in somewhere amidst the mix of joggers, stroller-pushing families, sun-worshippers, and everyday loungers. Grassy patches above the tide line are perfect for tossing the disc, the tennis courts are always popular, and the beach attracts volleyball players from all over the city. And don’t forget Kits Pool where kids and adults can splash away the day in an outdoor, heated salt-water pool with a wrap-around view of the city, ocean, and mountains. It’s almost three times the size of an Olympic pool.

Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach

When all the elements are right, fishing and a picnic at the Jericho Beach pier makes for a perfect evening. Enjoy the long, sandy stretch with stunning views of the North Shore Mountains and downtown core. It’s also a great spot for sailing, windsurfing, sea kayaking, and beach volleyball.

Spanish Banks

Spanish Banks

To commemorate the discovery of the Spanish explorers in 1792, the British named this particular shore Spanish Banks. The least crowded of Vancouver’s beaches, this stretch of sand is a wonderful retreat for those who wish to escape from the pace of city life. Skimmers alert: this is the perfect place for skim boarding once you learn the optimal tidal conditions.

English Bay

West End Beaches

The southern edge of the West End neighbourhood has two of the most attractive waterfront urban environments – English Bay and Sunset Beach. Amazingly, this large stretch of sand is no more than a 30-minute walk from Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre and an easy 10-minute walk from Sandman Suites Vancouver Davie – Street, with no commercial exploitation intruding on the peaceful environment. In summer, English Bay becomes a jumping off point for rollerblading adventures, strolling for ice cream, and picnics. Kids will love the floating slide and parents will appreciate the full time lifeguard. It’s also the place to lay down your blanket and look up to the sky during the Honda Celebration of Light international fireworks competition (2014 dates: July 26th, 30th & August 2nd)

Third Beach

Second & Third Beaches

Second Beach is a quick stroll north from English Bay into Stanley Park. Like Kitsilano Beach, Second Beach also has an immense, heated outdoor pool. Further along the seawall lies secluded Third Beach, which is due north of Stanley Park Drive. Locals tote grills and coolers to this spot, a popular place for summer evening barbecues and sunset watching.

Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach

This six-kilometre long, secluded beach is Canada’s first and largest, legal, clothing-optional beach. It’s located at the western tip of Vancouver, adjacent to the University of British Columbia campus, down a long flight of steep stairs. On a summer weekend, as many as 14,000 visitors flock to the beach which stretches from the Musqueam Reserve to Spanish Banks West. Vendors Row, located down the middle of the beach below Trail 6, offers snacks and refreshments. Note: Wreck Beach enthusiasts are a loyal and protective bunch who take their right to “bare” arms, legs and everything else pretty seriously.

Why Waste Time at the Beach?

Research shows that the sound of waves alters wave patterns in the brain lulling you into a deeply relaxed state. Relaxing in this way can help rejuvenate the mind and body.

Also, floating in water means blood is diverted around from our lower limbs and pumped towards our abdominal region – the part of the body near the heart – because we are no longer standing upright. Fresh blood being pumped around the body brings more oxygen to our brain which makes us more alert and active.

Fresh air for sleep

If you’ve ever wondered why we always sleep more soundly after spending the day on the beach, it’s because of the sea air. Sea air is charged with healthy negative ions that accelerate our ability to absorb oxygen. Negative ions also balance levels of seratonin, a body chemical linked with mood and stress. Which is why after a holiday you feel more alert, relaxed, and energized.

So next time you’re looking for an excuse to spend the day at the beach, the real question is, “Which beautiful Vancouver beach?”

Sandman Hotel Group is proud to announce they are now accepting bitcoin as a valid form of payment. As the first Canadian hospitality company to accept bitcoin, guests can now make reservations at over 40 hotels across Canada using the online currency.

Bitcoin is the world’s most widely used alternative currency with a total market cap of approximately $8.1 billion.

“Vancouver hosted the TED talk summit earlier this year. This event brought a diverse and tech savvy group of travellers and presenters to the city. Our hotels had a number of enquiries regarding payment through alternative payments including bitcoin. As a customer focused company with an eye on technology, we decided to incorporate this emerging technology as a payment option,” said Salim Kassam, Vice President of Marketing for Sandman Hotel Group.

“There is a great deal of concern regarding the fluctuation in values of bitcoin. This can be seen to a certain extent in any traditional currency. Bitcoin has seen larger fluctuations; however, we mitigate this by taking an instantaneous exchange value and converting them to Canadian dollars.

“We feel that bitcoin and cryptocurrencies may be here to stay. We can tell you without question that more and more of our customers are seeking to pay with this currency, and our job as hoteliers is to be accommodating to the changing needs and requests of our guests.”

Sandman has partnered with bitcoin payment processors Coinbase for the initiative. Coinbase is an international digital wallet that allows you to securely buy, use, and accept bitcoin currency.

To make a reservation using bitcoin is extremely simple. Guests visit Sandman’s website and select bitcoin as the payment option. An e-invoice is sent to the guest and they accept and transfer their bitcoin payment into Sandman’s bitcoin account which is hosted by Coinbase. Once the payment is confirmed, so is the reservation.

Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street was given a bold makeover last week when a vibrant 55-foot wide rainbow was painted on the roof of the hotel.

The hotel is not only located in the West End neighbourhood in Vancouver, but in the heart of the diverse Davie Street community. The hotel stands proud amongst a milieu of vibrant people, thriving shops and restaurants, and the colourful Davie Village.

“We are proud to call this community our home and want to illustrate our pride by painting the iconic rainbow crowned on-top of our hotel,” said Valentina Tang, General Manager of Sandman Suites Vancouver – Davie Street. “The concept behind the painting was: A heart of gold is where the rainbow begins. We are an inclusive organization and always like supporting our local communities.”

Join Sandman Hotel Group in celebrating the rainbow and its awareness by posting a photo on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #SandmanDavieRainbow.

Quinn Callander created the goal of raising $20,000 so his pal, Brayden Grozdanich, can get special surgery in New Jersey. Brayden, who is also seven, has cerebral palsy and the operation would try to relieve the pain from his muscles tightening as he grows. The two boys met in kindergarten, attend the same school in Maple Ridge, B.C., and belong to the same Beaver Scouts group.

In a note on an online fundraising page, Quinn explains: “Brayden has Cerebral Palsy, this makes it challenging for him to walk well because his muscles are very tight. Sometimes he can’t keep up with the rest of the other Beavers and he falls down a lot. Brayden gets daily physio therapy to keep him walking. Sometimes it really hurts him. When I was at his physio, I tried to keep Brayden calm when he was in pain.”

Brayden’s family plans to get the procedure called Percs Lengthening, reported Global News. A similar surgery is available in Canada, but it’s more invasive and takes longer to recover, said the news outlet.

“Please help me raise money to help my friend Brayden, he is a really good guy,” wrote Quinn.

The two boys set up a lemonade stand in front of the Pitt Meadows Superstore on Lougheed Highway on Sunday, July 6, and the quench thirsting drinks were a huge hit. Between the sale of the lemonade and online donations, they have raised over $48,000 which will go towards Brayden’s surgery, travel expenses, and physiotherapy sessions.

Sandman Hotel Group proudly supports the amazing efforts of both boys. You too can support their cause by donating online here.

Here’s a letter written by Quinn in support of his friend:

Hi my name is Quinn, and this is my buddy Brayden. We are both 7 years old. We go to the same school and we are in Beaver Scouts together. Brayden has Cerebral Palsy, this makes it challenging for him to walk well because his muscles are very tight. Sometimes he can’t keep up with the rest of the other Beavers and he falls down a lot. Brayden gets daily physio therapy to keep him walking. Sometimes it really hurts him. When I was at his physio, I tried to keep Brayden calm when he was in pain. My Mom told me Brayden is going to have a special surgery to help release the muscle tightness and spastic action. The surgery is not done here in Canada, only in the USA. Brayden and his Mom will be travelling there in August for the operation. Since the surgery is not done in Canada, Braydens Mom and Dad have to pay for it. The surgery will cost $20,000. Please help me raise money to help my friend Brayden, he is a really good guy.